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Bible Pathways - Oct. 28, 2006

No one question could be of greater importance than that of a certain ruler (Luke 18:18) who came . . . running, and kneeled to Him (Jesus) (Mark 10:17). He was a young man (Matthew 19:20,22) and possessed great wealth. Kneeling before Jesus, he asked: Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him. . . . Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother (Luke 18:18-27; also Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31). No one ever addressed a scribe or a rabbi as Good Master — only God was called good. Three Gospels report that he recognized Jesus as more than just another Teacher, but as the Good Master (Teacher). He knew that, beyond this physical life, there was an eternity that he wanted to inherit.

In response to his most vital question: What shall I do, Jesus told him: Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich (Luke 18:22-23). This should not be twisted to mean that eternal life can be earned by self-effort or sacrificial giving. Eternal life can only come from Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). He was unwilling to let Jesus be Lord of his life. He would not give up the influence, prestige, and financial security that his wealth provided. He was a good man, and very religious, but sadly he was eternally lost.

The Bible does not condemn people just because they are rich, but it says: Charge (instruct) them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded (conceited), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (share); Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (I Timothy 6:17-19).

Your daily decisions and your lifestyle reveal what you really believe. The young ruler illustrates why Jesus said: Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14).

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Government Official: Rep. Zach Wamp (TN) Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific Major languages: Samoan and English Religious freedom 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 9% cults; 2% Baha'i Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to deliver you from willful sins (Psalm 19:13).